Sussex schoolboys enjoyed a star-studded lesson when some of Sri Lanka's top cricketers dropped in for an impromptu coaching session.

Brighton College Prep School's under-12 cricket side were thrilled when the tourists' coaching staff and the likes of Kumar Sangakkara took a 30-minute session in the nets last Wednesday.

The coup was organised by a Sri Lankan pupil's grandfather who knows the team's manager Chandra Schaffter.

Lionel Sinwardene went to school with Schaffter in Sri Lanka and the two have remained in touch since.

Sinwardene's 11-year-old grandson Patrick Vandepant attends the independent school in Brighton.

Vandepant's popularity with his class-mates has swelled following the visit.

He said: "It is fantastic to meet my heroes. I am so grateful to my grandfather for sorting it out. The rest of my friends have enjoyed the visit too. We had been looking forward to it all week and it has worked out brilliantly."

The school's head of games Tim Herbert said: "I couldn't believe it when we heard it had been arranged. It was a wonderful opportunity for the boys.

"They have picked up some good tips and they can practise them on their three-week tour to South Africa next Easter.

"We got the news confirmed on the Monday and they have been excited since. They all went out to play cricket that afternoon."

Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara, 24, was delighted to meet the youngsters.

The left-hander, who scored a century in the Third Test against England, said: "It is my first visit to England and I like Sussex. It is great to do things like this.

"Just being with the youngsters is enjoyable and this is the way everyone starts playing the game.

"I only started when I was 12 but these lads have already been playing four years. The earlier you start playing the game the better.

"The kids are very enthusiastic and we are happy to sign autographs and answer their questions. I am enjoying my time here. If the weather is right it is an excellent place to play with good wickets against top sides."